Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Constraint Shapes”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2

Adjoint-Based Mesh Adaptation and Shape Optimization for Simulations with Propulsion

We demonstrate a well-posed formulation of permeable boundary conditions and mass- flow-rate functionals for adjoint-based mesh refinement and shape optimization governed by the steady Euler equations. The boundary conditions are used to model propulsion- system effects of inlets and nozzles. A two-shock diffuser with an analytic solution is used to verify the implementation. Numerical examples show that the adjoint solution is smooth at the boundary, indicating that the discretization is adjoint consistent when exit pressure is specified at subsonic outflow, and stagnation temperature and pressure at subsonic inflow. The results focus on improving simulation techniques for low-boom aircraft analysis and design. By including mass-flow-rate outputs, we obtain reliable estimates of engine flow rates concurrently with nearfield pressure signatures without increasing simulation cost. We also demonstrate the importance of mass-flow-rate constraints in shape optimization by examining trade-offs between maximizing performance of a shrouded supersonic nozzle and minimizing shocks in its nearfield.

Nemec, Marian↗

A procedure for designing forebodies with constraints on cross-section shape and axial area distribution

A method is described for designing a forebody with cross sections which vary smoothly from an initial prescribed nose shape to a different prescribed base shape in such a way that the cross-section areas conform to a preassigned axial area distribution. It is shown that these conditions can be satisfied with a remaining degree of freedon, which can be used to accomplish a modest amount of geometric or pressure tailoring of the forebody. An example is provided which involves modifying the pressure distribution along a given meridian line of the forebody.

Barger, R. L.↗

Development of wing and tail configurations for low altitude unmanned research aircraft (LAURA)

The Low Altitude/Airspeed Unmanned Research Aircraft (LAURA) is being developed by the U.S. Navy for flight test research using low-Reynolds number airfoils. This vehicle consists of a standard modular fuselage designed to accept the installation of several wings/tails having low Reynolds number airfoils, and various planform shapes. Design constraints include shipboard storage, long flight endurance at very low airspeeds and sea-skimming cruise altitude. The stringent design constraints require the development of high-performance low Reynolds number (LRN) airfoils, suitable lifting surface configuration, and advanced airframe-propulsion systems. The present paper describes ongoing efforts to develop wing and tail configurations for LAURA using airfoils designed at NASA Langley Research Center.

Mangalam, S. M.↗

Concurrent development of fault management hardware and software in the SSM/PMAD

Space Station issues in fault management are discussed. The system background is described with attention given to design guidelines and power hardware. A contractually developed fault management system, FRAMES, is integrated with the energy management functions, the control switchgear, and the scheduling and operations management functions. The constraints that shaped the FRAMES system and its implementation are considered.

Freeman, Kenneth A.↗

Aeroelastic Wing Shaping Control Subject to Actuation Constraints.

This paper considers the control of coupled aeroelastic aircraft model which is configured with Variable Camber Continuous Trailing Edge Flap (VCCTEF) system. The relative deflection between two adjacent flaps is constrained and this actuation constraint is accounted for when designing an effective control law for suppressing the wing vibration. A simple tuned-mass damper mechanism with two attached masses is used as an example to demonstrate the effectiveness of vibration suppression with confined motion of tuned masses. In this paper, a dynamic inversion based pseudo-control hedging (PCH) and bounded control approach is investigated, and for illustration, it is applied to the NASA Generic Transport Model (GTM) configured with VCCTEF system.

aeroelasticity↗

Combined Qualification Vibration Testing and Fixed Base Modal Testing Utilizing a Fixed Based Correction Method

Vibration testing spaceflight hardware is a vital, but time consuming and expensive endeavor. Traditionally modal tests are performed at the component, subassembly, or system level, preferably free-free with mass loaded interfaces or fixed base on a seismic mass to identify the fundamental structural dynamic (modal) characteristics. Vibration tests are then traditionally performed on single-axis slip tables at qualification levels that envelope the maximum predicted flight environment and workmanship in order to verify the spaceflight hardware can survive its flight environment. These two tests currently require two significantly different test setups, facilities, and ultimately reconfiguration of the spaceflight hardware. The vision of this research is to show how traditional fixed-base modal testing can be accomplished using vibration qualification testing facilities, which not only streamlines testing and reduces test costs, but also opens up the possibility of performing modal testing to untraditionally high excitation levels that provide for test-correlated finite element models to be more representative of the spaceflight hardware's response in a flight environment. This paper documents the first steps towards this vision, which is the comparison of modal parameters identified from a traditional fixed-based modal test performed on a modal floor and those obtained by utilizing a fixed based correction method with a large single-axis electrodynamic shaker driving a slip table supplemented with additional small portable shakers driving on the slip table and test article. To show robustness of this approach, the test article chosen is a simple linear weldment, whose mass, size, and modal parameters couple well with the dynamics of the shaker/slip table. This paper will show that all dynamics due to the shaker/slip table were successfully removed resulting in true fixed-base modal parameters, including modal damping, being successfully extracted from a traditional style base-shake vibration test setup.

Base-Shake↗

Realizing a Spacesuit Compatible Augmented Reality System to Meet the Work Needs of Future Human Spaceflight Exploration

In this paper, we identify the broad range of challenges associated with creating an augmented reality for future spaceflight missions. The challenges were framed within a sociotechnical framework to explore how an imagined augmented reality system might one day help crew cope with future exploration mission demands. Key challenges include an augmented reality system cannot simply be designed to help a single suited astronaut and must enable the broader mission team. There exists a host of optical, compute, and control technical challenges that must be simultaneously addressed while the work domain itself is in development. There exist limited methods to help cope with the envisioned world problem; however, we emphasize a few strategies to articulate work design assumptions and host this detail in a transparent fashion. Finally, we note the broader organizational constraints that shape the creation of such novel technology for spaceflight. By addressing these broad range of challenges directly, early in the design and development process, key trade-offs can be considered and fundamental concerns within the community can be addressed to yield desired mission outcomes.

Matthew J. Miller↗

Infusing Statistical Thinking into the NASA Quesst Community Test Campaign

Statistical thinking permeates many important decisions as NASA plans its Quesst mission, which will culminate in a series of community overflights using the X-59 aircraft to demonstrate low-noise supersonic flight. Month-long longitudinal surveys will be deployed to assess human perception and annoyance to this new acoustic phenomenon. NASA works with a large contractor team to develop systems and methodologies to estimate noise doses, to test and field socio-acoustic surveys, and to study the relationship between the two quantities, dose and response, through appropriate choices of statistical models. This latter dose-response relationship will serve as an important tool as national and international noise regulators debate whether overland supersonic flights could be permitted once again within permissible noise limits. In this presentation we highlight several areas where statistical thinking has come into play, including issues of sampling, classification and data fusion, and analysis of longitudinal survey data that are subject to rare events and the consequences of measurement error. We note several operational constraints that shape the appeal or feasibility of some decisions on statistical approaches, and we identify several important remaining questions to be addressed.

Bayesian model↗

Shape optimization of 3D continuum structures via force approximation techniques

The existing need to develop methods whereby the shape design efficiency can be improved through the use of high quality approximation methods is addressed. An efficient approximation method for stress constraints in 3D shape design problems is proposed based on expanding the nodal forces in Taylor series with respect to shape variations. The significance of this new method is shown through elementary beam theory calculations and via numerical computations using 3D solid finite elements. Numerical examples including the classical cantilever beam structure and realistic automotive parts like the engine connecting rod are designed for optimum shape using the proposed method. The numerical results obtained from these methods are compared with other published results, to assess the efficiency and the convergence rate of the proposed method.

Vanderplaats, Garret N.↗

Constraints on Vesta's Interior Structure Using Gravity and Shape Models from the Dawn Mission

We use the shape and gravity field of Vesta determined from observations of the Dawn spacecraft to place constraints on the asteroid's interior structure. We compute a three-layer interior structure model by minimizing the power of the residual gravity anomaly. The densities of the mantle and crust are based on constraints derived from the Howardite-Eucrite-Diogenite (HED) meteorites. Vesta's present-day shape is not in hydrostatic equilibrium. The Rheasilvia and Veneneia impact basins have a large effect on Vesta's shape and are the main source of deviation from hydrostatic shape. Constraining a pre-giant-impact rotation rate and orientation of the spin axis from an ellipsoidal fit to the parts of Vesta unaffected by the giant impacts, and using the theory of figure, we can constrain the shape of the core. Our solution for Vesta's crust-mantle interface reveals a belt of thick crust around Rheasilvia and Veneneia. The thinnest crust is in the floor of the two basins and in the Vestalia Terra region. Our solution does not reveal an uplift of the crust-mantle boundary to the surface in the largest basins. This, together with the lack of olivine detected by the Visible and Infrared Spectrometer (VIR) data in Rheasilvia and Veneneia, indicates that Vesta's presumed olivine mantle was either not brought to the surface by these large impacts or was covered by ejecta from subsequent impacts.

Interiors↗

Determination of the complex refractive index and size distribution of atmospheric particulates from bistatic-monostatic lidar and solar radiometer measurements

A method is presented for inferring both the size distribution and the complex refractive index of atmospheric particulates from combined bistatic-monostatic lidar and solar radiometer observations. The basic input measurements are spectral optical depths at several visible and near-infrared wavelengths as obtained with a solar radiometer and backscatter and angular scatter coefficients as obtained from a biostatic-monostatic lidar. The spectral optical depth measurements obtained from the radiometer are mathematically inverted to infer a columnar particulate size distribution. Advantage is taken of the fact that the shape of the size distribution obtained by inverting the particulate optical depth is relatively insensitive to the particle refractive index assumed in the inversion. Bistatic-monostatic angular scatter and backscatter lidar data are then processed to extract an optimum value for the particle refractive index subject to the constraint that the shape of the particulate size distribution be the same as that inferred from the solar radiometer data. Specifically, the scattering parameters obtained from the bistatic-monostatic lidar data are compared with corresponding theoretical computations made for various assumed refractive index values. That value which yields best agreement, in a weighted least squares sense, is selected as the optimal refractive index estimate. The results of this procedure applied to a set of simulated measurements as well as to measurements collected on two separate days are presented and discussed.

Reagan, J. A.↗

Visual display aid for orbital maneuvering - Design considerations

This paper describes the development of an interactive proximity operations planning system that allows on-site planning of fuel-efficient multiburn maneuvers in a potential multispacecraft environment. Although this display system most directly assists planning by providing visual feedback to aid visualization of the trajectories and constraints, its most significant features include: (1) the use of an 'inverse dynamics' algorithm that removes control nonlinearities facing the operator, and (2) a trajectory planning technique that separates, through a 'geometric spreadsheet', the normally coupled complex problems of planning orbital maneuvers and allows solution by an iterative sequence of simple independent actions. The visual feedback of trajectory shapes and operational constraints, provided by user-transparent and continuously active background computations, allows the operator to make fast, iterative design changes that rapidly converge to fuel-efficient solutions. The planning tool provides an example of operator-assisted optimization of nonlinear cost functions.

Grunwald, Arthur J.↗

Multibody dynamics: Modeling component flexibility with fixed, free, loaded, constraint, and residual modes

The assumed-modes method in multibody dynamics allows the elastic deformation of each component in the system to be approximated by a sum of products of spatial and temporal functions commonly known as modes and modal coordinates respectively. The choice of component modes used to model articulating and non-articulating flexible multibody systems is examined. Attention is directed toward three classical Component Mode Synthesis (CMS) methods whereby component normal modes are generated by treating the component interface (I/F) as either fixed, free, or loaded with mass and stiffness contributions from the remaining components. The fixed and free I/F normal modes are augmented by static shape functions termed constraint and residual modes respectively. A mode selection procedure is outlined whereby component modes are selected from the Craig-Bampton (fixed I/F plus constraint), MacNeal-Rubin (free I/F plus residual), or Benfield-Hruda (loaded I/F) mode sets in accordance with a modal ordering scheme derived from balance realization theory. The success of the approach is judged by comparing the actuator-to-sensor frequency response of the reduced order system with that of the full order system over the frequency range of interest. A finite element model of the Galileo spacecraft serves as an example in demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed mode selection method.

Spanos, John T.↗

Ogle-2018-BLG-0799lb: A Q ∼ 2.7 × 10(−3) Planet With Spitzer Parallax

We report the discovery and analysis of a planet in the microlensing event OGLE-2018-BLG-0799. The planetary signal was observed by several ground-based telescopes, and the planet-host mass ratio is q = (2.65 ± 0.16) × 10(−3). The ground-based observations yield a constraint on the angular Einstein radius θE, and the microlensing parallax vector πE, is strongly constrained by the Spitzer data. However, the 2019 Spitzer baseline data reveal systematics in the Spitzer photometry, so there is ambiguity in the magnitude of the parallax. In our preferred interpretation, a full Bayesian analysis using a Galactic model indicates that the planetary system is composed of an Mplanet = 0.26+0.22 −0.11M(J) planet orbiting an Mhost = 0.093+0.082 −0.038 Mʘ , at a distance of DL = 3.71+3.24 −1.70 kpc. An alternate interpretation of the data shifts the localization of the minima along the arc-shaped microlens parallax constraints. This, in turn, yields a more massive host with median mass of 0.13 Mʘ at a distance of 6.3 kpc. This analysis demonstrates the robustness of the osculating circles formalism, but shows that further investigation is needed to assess how systematics affect the specific localization of the microlens parallax vector and, consequently, the inferred physical parameters.

gravitational lensing↗

Technical challenges of integrating the Space Shuttle

A review is presented of the technology involved in integrating the Space Shuttle system. A powered flight analysis of the Shuttle is presented, touching upon the following areas: ascent profile and abort mode integration, sizing and design, control of load factor by a stage thrust shaping, structural load constraints, flight performance reserve and trajectory design for the orbital flight test. A discussion is presented of aerothermodynamics including aerodynamic and plume heating. Flight control and separation is considered with attention paid to liftoff, ascent to booster staging, elevon load relief, booster tailoff thrust mismatch and gimbal limitations and booster separation. Structural analysis and dynamics is examined, considering: vehicle loads and modes and the pogo effect. Propulsion aspects (hydraulics, the LH2 recirculation system, the antigeyser system, the pressurization system, etc.), ground vibration tests, separation system verification and flight readiness firing are all described.

Martin, A. C.↗

Internal structure and shape of Mimas

The observed triaxial ellipsoid shape of Mimas, in conjunction with a mean density of 1137 kg/cu cm, is presently used as the basis of hydrostatic equilibrium and nonhydrostatic models of internal structure whose outer layers are sufficiently strong to support part of the tidal load. Such plausible internal structures are consistent with the shape and density constraints as (1) a two-layer model in hydrostatic equilibrium, (2) a hydrostatic model with four layers of equal depth, and (3) a nonhydrostatic constant-density model with an elastic lithosphere; these models admit either homogeneous or heterogeneous accretion, as well as either a cold thermal history or melting and differentiation.

Ross, M. N.↗

Multi-objective shape and material optimization of composite structures including damping

A multi-objective optimal design methodology is developed for light-weight, low cost composite structures of improved dynamic performance. The design objectives include minimization of resonance amplitudes (or maximization of modal damping), weight, and material cost. The design vector includes micromechanics, laminate, and structural shape parameters. Performance constraints are imposed on static displacements, dynamic amplitudes, and natural frequencies. The effects of damping on the dynamics of composite structures are incorporated. Preliminary applications on a cantilever composite beam illustrated that only the proposed multi-objective optimization, as opposed to single objective functions, simultaneously improved all objectives. The significance of composite damping in the design of advanced composite structures was also demonstrated, indicating the design methods based on undamped dynamics may fail to improve the dynamic performance near resonances.

Saravanos, D. A.↗

Multi-objective shape and material optimization of composite structures including damping

A multi-objective optimal design methodology is developed for light-weight, low-cost composite structures of improved dynamic performance. The design objectives include minimization of resonance amplitudes (or maximization of modal damping), weight, and material cost. The design vector includes micromechanics, laminate, and structural shape parameters. Performance constraints are imposed on static displacements, dynamic amplitudes, and natural frequencies. The effects of damping on the dynamics of composite structures are incorporated. Preliminary applications on a cantilever composite beam illustrated that only the proposed multi-objective optimization, as opposed to single objective functions, simultaneously improved all objectives. The significance of composite damping in the design of advanced composite structures was also demonstrated, indicating that design methods based on undamped dynamics may fail to improve the dynamic performance near resonances.

Saravanos, D. A.↗